Gender Bias in Managerial Positions in the Private Sector in Kosovo Diona Hoxha [email protected]

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Gender Bias in Managerial Positions in the Private Sector in Kosovo Diona Hoxha Dxh6136@Rit.Edu Rochester Institute of Technology RIT Scholar Works Theses 8-2019 Gender Bias in Managerial Positions in the Private Sector in Kosovo Diona Hoxha [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.rit.edu/theses Recommended Citation Hoxha, Diona, "Gender Bias in Managerial Positions in the Private Sector in Kosovo" (2019). Thesis. Rochester Institute of Technology. Accessed from This Senior Project is brought to you for free and open access by RIT Scholar Works. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses by an authorized administrator of RIT Scholar Works. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Gender Bias in Managerial Positions in the Private Sector in Kosovo An Honors Society Project Diona Hoxha Advisor: Venera Demukaj, Ph.D. August, 2019 Diona Hoxha Page | 1 www.kosovo.rit.edu Contents 1. Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................... 4 2. Abstract ..................................................................................................................................................... 5 3. List of Abbreviations ................................................................................................................................ 6 4.1 List of Tables .......................................................................................................................................... 7 4.2 List of Figures ......................................................................................................................................... 7 5. Problem Statement .................................................................................................................................... 8 6. Introduction-Women in Business in Kosovo ............................................................................................ 8 7. Literature Review .................................................................................................................................... 10 7.1 Gender barriers in Kosovo’s labor market ........................................................................................ 10 7.1.1 Disregarding qualifications ........................................................................................................ 10 7.1.2 Traditional gender occupations .................................................................................................. 11 7.1.3 Discriminatory language in job advertisements ......................................................................... 11 7.1.4 Maternity leave- lengthy, nevertheless, with low compensation ............................................... 13 7.1.5 Women employees and contracts ............................................................................................... 13 7.2 Gender self-esteem gap ..................................................................................................................... 14 7.2.1 Role Congruity Theory .............................................................................................................. 14 7.2.1.1 Social roles: Communal and agentic attributes ....................................................................... 15 7.2.1.2 Prejudice against female leaders and managers ...................................................................... 16 7.2.2 Criteria to apply for a job ........................................................................................................... 17 7.3 Gender quotas ................................................................................................................................... 18 7.3.1 International examples ............................................................................................................... 18 7.3.1.1 Legal Instruments .................................................................................................................... 18 7.3.1.2 Voluntary regimes ................................................................................................................... 19 7.3.2 Pros ............................................................................................................................................ 19 7.3.2.1 No other measure has resulted to be more efficient until now ................................................ 19 7.3.2.2 Factor in efficiency ................................................................................................................. 20 7.3.3 Cons ........................................................................................................................................... 21 8. Methodology ........................................................................................................................................... 21 8.1 Secondary Data ................................................................................................................................. 22 8.2 Primary Data ..................................................................................................................................... 22 8.2.1 Semi-structured Interviews ........................................................................................................ 22 Diona Hoxha Page | 2 www.kosovo.rit.edu 8.2.2 Surveys ....................................................................................................................................... 22 8.3 Limitations ........................................................................................................................................ 23 9. Results ..................................................................................................................................................... 23 9.1 Unequal upbringing .......................................................................................................................... 24 9.2 Confidence ........................................................................................................................................ 26 9.3 Perceived managerial traits based on gender .................................................................................... 27 9.4 Quotas ............................................................................................................................................... 32 10. Recommendations ................................................................................................................................. 33 11. Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................ 34 12. References ............................................................................................................................................. 36 13. Appendices ............................................................................................................................................ 39 Diona Hoxha Page | 3 www.kosovo.rit.edu 1. Acknowledgements I would like to express my profound gratitude to the people who gave their valuable input in this research. My sincere appreciation goes to my Professor Venera Demukaj, who has guided me throughout this period and assisted me during my studies with no hesitation. Her valuable criticism and knowledge on the topic steered this research paper towards the right path. I would also like to acknowledge the input of the survey respondents and the interviewed experts, who made this research credible and depicted their point of view on the current labor market in Kosovo. In this regard, I would like to express my thankfulness to my friends, Jehona Karavidaj and Leonora Cerreti, who did not hesitate to help me on field data collection and propose suitable interviewees for the topic. Last but certainly not least, I must also take this opportunity to appreciate the continuous and never-ending support of my most valuable asset-my family, throughout my years of study. I dedicate this project to my mother, Teuta, my father, Erzen, my siblings, Drin and Nika and my other half Emir Abrashi. Their wise, empathic and supportive approach to encourage and guide me have made me forever indebted to them. Thank you! Diona Hoxha Page | 4 www.kosovo.rit.edu 2. Abstract This project analyzes gender bias and gender barriers in managerial positions by focusing on private the sector in Kosovo. The study specifically analyzes the barriers that women in the private sector face, such as disregarding qualifications, traditional gender based occupations, discriminatory language in job ads, maternity leave and the lack of contracts that make the employee-employer relationship legally binding. It further elaborates on the concept of gender quotas in management and analyzes their effects in managerial positions and the workplace in general. The study also analyzes best practices outside Kosovo, in which gender equality has been integrated as a part of policies and the aim of decreasing the inequality gap has been achieved. This research was written based on both primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected through semi structured interviews and surveys. The results extracted by the primary and secondary data received by the interviews and surveys confirm that women are underrepresented in the labor market in Kosovo. Gender bias exists and this has penalized women from successfully competing in the market. Some of the most crucial
Recommended publications
  • Coordinating for Gender Equality Results
    COORDINATING FOR GENDER EQUALITY RESULTS RESULTS GENDER EQUALITY FOR COORDINATING COORDINATING FOR GENDER EQUALITY RESULTS Regional evaluation of UN Women’s contribution to UN system coordination on gender equality and the empowerment of women in Europe and Central Asia ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The evaluation team wishes to thank the many individuals UN Women ECA RO Regional Director, Alia El-Yassir, and organizations who supported the evaluation process UN Women ECA RO Deputy Director and Fumie Nakamura, by making themselves available for interviews and surveys UN Women ECA RO Coordination and Planning Specialist. and by providing helpful feedback on draft deliverables. Special thanks to the UN Women Europe and Central We thank the country representatives and staff of the Asia Regional Office (ECA RO) and to UN Women country four offices visited for all the dedicated time they invested offices, government and non-government partners in the in supporting the evaluation process and in facilitating four case study countries (Albania, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, the engagement and inclusion of a wide range of part- and Turkey) and the three countries interviewed virtually ners, stakeholders and beneficiaries of their work, in (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia, and Serbia) for this evalua- particular Albania Country Office (David Saunders, tion. Their cooperation was essential in understanding the Country Office Representative), Kyrgyzstan Country Office nature of UN Women’s coordination mandate at regional (Gerald Gunther, Country Office Representative), Kosovo and national levels. We are also grateful to all 14 ECA Programme Office (Flora Macula, Head of Programme countries whose documentation was provided for review. Office), Turkey Programme Office (Zeliha Unaldi, Gender Finally, we could not have done this without the support Specialist Office of the UN Resident) Coordinator).
    [Show full text]
  • Women and Elections Resource Guide Cover
    AAnn AAnnnnoottaatteedd BBiiibbllliiiooggrraapphhyy ooff SSeellleecctteedd RReessoouurrccee MMaatteerriiiaalllss EEnnhhaanncciiinngg WWoommeenn’’ss PPaarrttiiicciiippaattiiioonn iiinn EEllleeccttoorraalll PPrroocceesssseess iiinn PPoosstt--CCoonnffllliiicctt CCoouunnttrriiieess This is an annotated bibliography of selected resource materials – books, guidelines, training materials, academic articles and case studies - on enhancing the participation of women in electoral processes with a focus on post-conflict countries. It is not exhaustive. The information specific to supporting women in elections was gathered through internet search and a selective review of academic literature. It has been produced as a background document for the Expert Group Meeting on “Enhancing the role of women in electoral processes in post-conflict countries” organized by the United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and the Advancement of Women (OSAGI) of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the Electoral Assistance Division of the Department of Political Affairs. It can also be used as a ready reference guide for field-based actors on current literature and guidance on how to ensure women’s full participation throughout all stages of the elections process – pre, during and post elections. This is a work in progress. Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women Department of Economic and Social Affairs Tablle of Conte nts Page A. General Election Resource Material on Women and Elections 1. International Electoral Standards. Guidelines for Reviewing 1 the Legal Framework of Elections 2. Gender Checklist for Free and Fair Elections in Southern Africa 2 3. Women's Campaign Manual 5 4. Women's Candidate Training Program. Training's Manual 5 5. Training of Trainers Manual.
    [Show full text]
  • Working Paper #17 Gender-Based Violence Research Initiatives In
    Working Paper #17 Gender-Based Violence Research Initiatives In Refugee, Internally Displaced, and Post-Conflict Settings: Lessons Learned Cari Clark April 2003 1 List of Abbreviations and Acronyms ADRA Adventist Development and Relief Agency International AWDC Azerbaijan Women and Development Centre CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention DFID Department for International Development [UK] GBV Gender-based violence IDP Internally Displaced Person ISAR Initiative for Social Action and Renewal in Eurasia MIT Massachusetts Institute of Technology NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization NGO Non-governmental Organization OSCE Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe RHRC Reproductive Health for Refugees Consortium UN United Nations UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNFPA United Nations Population Fund UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNIFEM United Nations Development Fund for Women UNMIK United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo USAID United States Agency for International Development 2 Acknowledgments This report was made possible by the generous contribution of many persons and organizations. First, I would like to thank the Reproductive Health for Refugees Consortium for the opportunity to pursue this research topic, and the Mellon-MIT Program on NGOs and Forced Migration for their generous funding, without which my project would not have been possible. I also thank Jeanne Ward, Research Officer of the Consortium for enabling and encouraging my project. For vital help I also thank the numerous individuals in Azerbaijan, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina who gave their valuable time, providing the data on which this report is based. 3 Abstract Gender-based violence (GBV) warrants research in any circumstance in which it is perpetrated.
    [Show full text]
  • Gender Equality in Kosovo Gender Equality in Kosovo
    GENDER GENDER EQUALITY IN KOSOVO GENDER EQUALITY IN KOSOVO Legal and political context munity. This objective is intended to be achieved by working in three directions: The principle of gender equality is regulated by the Constitu- tion of Kosovo1 and other applicable laws. Although Kosovo is • Creating equal opportunities to contribute to and benefit not a signatory to major international agreements on human from economic development, inclusiveness and improve- rights, the Constitution of Kosovo states that all international ment of social welfare; human rights instruments are directly applicable. The Law • Advancing gender equality through quality education, n°2004/2 of 19 February 2004 on gender equality establishes quality health, inclusiveness and utilization of human gender equality as a fundamental value for the democratic capacities in sustainable development and elimination of development of the society in Kosovo, by providing equal inequality and gender stereotypes; opportunities for both female and male participation in the • Advancing rights to decision-making, peace, security and political, economic, social, cultural and other fields of social life2. justice. Nevertheless, most primary and secondary legislation in Kosovo Kosovo did not ratify any international convention combat- lacks a gender perspective, not targeting the potentially differ- ing violence against women. While there is no comprehen- ent needs and priorities of women, men, girls and boys. sive legal framework or national policy specifically addressing Gender equality is an integral part of the EU integration pro- violence against women, domestic violence, rape and sexual cess. In addition to the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights harassment are addressed by the Law on Protection against (Art.
    [Show full text]
  • Survey on Violence Against Women: Main Report
    Foreword 1 OSCE-led survey on violence against women: Main report www.osce.org ISBN: 978-3-903128-18-7 This work was carried out in accordance with the requirements of the international quality standard for market research, ISO 20252:2012, and with the Ipsos MORI terms and conditions, which can be found at http://www.ipsos-mori.com/terms. © OSCE 2019 The OSCE has invested the utmost care in the development of the materials in this publication. However, it accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of the information, instructions and advice provided, or for misprints. The views, opinions, findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed herein are those of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the OSCE and its participating States. For these reasons, no claims can be made against the OSCE in respect of potential consequences that may arise from the information or conclusions contained in this publication. Foreword Foreword Violence against women and girls is a persistent human rights violation that not only threatens the security and safety of its victims, but also hinders women and girls around the world from being full and equal participants in society. Women and girls who experience violence and abuse often suffer for years from the effects. They may have to deal with ill health and psychological trauma, which in many cases is passed on to their own children and also influences the communities and societies they live in. The OSCE recognizes violence against women and girls as both a threat to individuals and a broader security concern.
    [Show full text]
  • A Men's Perspective on Gender Equality in Kosovo
    A Men’s Perspective on Gender Equality in Kosovo Main findings from the International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES) International Men and Gender Equality Survey A Men’s Perspective on Gender Equality in Kosovo Main findings from the International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES) 111 This report is the result of a co-operation between the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Mission in Kosovo, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Kosovo Office and UBO Consulting. The research and report production is financed by the Permanent Representation of the Netherlands to the OSCE, Folke Bernadotte Academy and UNFPA core funding. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of the OSCE, UNFPA, the United Nations or any of its affiliated organizations. © OSCE/UNFPA 2018 All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may be freely used and copied for educational and other non-commercial purposes, provided that any such reproduction be accompanied by an acknowledgement of UNFPA and the OSCE as the source. Published by: OSCE Mission in Kosovo UNFPA Kosovo Abdyl Frasheri 37 Zagrebi 39 10000 Prishtinë/Priština 10000 Prishtinë/Priština Tel. +383 38 240 100 Tel. +383 38 249088 [email protected] kosovo.unfpa.org www.osce.org/kosovo Proposal for reference/cite as: OSCE Mission in Kosovo/UNFPA Kosovo (2018): A Men's Perspective on Gender Equality in Kosovo. Main Findings from the International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES). Prishtinë/Priština. Acknowledgements The OSCE Mission in Kosovo and UNFPA express gratitude to the following individuals and organisations for their contributions and/or support: Promundo Institute, Ruti Levtov, Care International Balkans, Besnik Leka, John Crownover, Youth Education Center Sinergija, Peer Educators Network, all experts which took part in the research, focus group participants and the whole UBO Consulting team.
    [Show full text]
  • Intersectional Gender Analysis of Pre-University Education
    INTERSECTIONAL GENDER ANALYSIS OF PRE-UNIVERSITY EDUCATION INCLUDE – Building Capacity for Inclusion in Education INTERSECTIONAL GENDER ANALYSIS OF PRE-UNIVERSITY EDUCATION Page 1 Prepared by Donjeta Morina All requests concerning the reproduction or translation of all or part of the document This publication was produced in the context of the should be addressed to the Directorate of project “INCLUDE – Building Capacity for Inclusion in Communications. All other correspondence Education” with the financial support of the European concerning this publication should be addressed Union. to the Council of Europe Education Department, Its contents are the sole responsibility of the authors Co-operation and Capacity Building Division. and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the Council of Europe. The Council of Europe Production Department (SPDP) is not responsible for its layout and content. © Council of Europe, October 2020. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Union under conditions. October 2020 No part of this publication may be translated, reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic (CD-ROM, internet, etc.) or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval from the Directorate of Communications (F-67075 Strasbourg Cedex or [email protected]). Cover image credits: Christian Chan/shutterstock.com Page 2 INTERSECTIONAL GENDER ANALYSIS OF PRE-UNIVERSITY EDUCATION Contents Acronyms 4 Executive Summary 5 Introduction 6 Methodology and Research
    [Show full text]
  • A Bout the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security
    About the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security examines and highlights the roles and experiences of women in peace and security worldwide through cutting edge research, timely global convenings and strategic partnerships. The Institute is led by Melanne Verveer, who previously served as the inaugural U.S. Ambassador for Global Women's Issues. Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton serves as its honorary founding chair. The Institute is also home to the International Council on Women’s Business Leadership, which is a part of the Women & Economy Project launched in October 2014. Located in Washington, D.C., the Institute leverages Georgetown University's global reach to connect academia and practice, pioneer evidence-based and policy-oriented analysis, and inspire the next generation of leaders. To learn more, visit https://giwps.georgetown.edu/. Acknowledgements The authors of this report would like to express their deep gratitude to Ambassador Melanne Verveer and Mayesha Alam of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security for providing the capacity and opportunity to conduct this study. Their guidance and feedback – from inception to completion - were invaluable to our research and writing process. We are also indebted to Mara D’Amico (GIWPS) and Rebecca Turkington (GIWPS) for their input, support, and meticulous attention to detail. In addition, we would like to thank Kristen Wall (NDI), Rikita Bhaskir (IFES), Alexander Chavarria (NDI), and Alan Wall (IFES) for their consultations on this report. We offer our deepest thanks to the women of Kosovo who entrusted us with their insights and perspectives to form the core of this report.
    [Show full text]
  • Mapping Support Services for Victims of Violence Against Women in Kosovo* PREMS 095617
    Mapping support services for victims of violence against women in Kosovo* PREMS 095617 Council of Europe project “Reinforcing the fight against violence against women and domestic violence in Kosovo*” MAPPING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN KOSOVO* Council of Europe project “Reinforcing the fight against violence against women and domestic violence in Kosovo*” Author:Paula Krol Local experts: Emine Kabashi Ardita Ramizi Bala 10 June 2017 The opinions expressed in this work are the responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of the Council of Europe * All reference to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo. Table of contents 1. Overview of the overall system and approach to violence against women ............................ 1 1.1. General background .................................................................................................................... 1 1.2. Women’s situation in Kosovo* ..................................................................................................... 2 1.3. Prevalence of violence against women ....................................................................................... 3 1.4. Legal and policy framework ......................................................................................................... 4 1.5. Institutional structures, mechanisms and actors
    [Show full text]
  • Kosovo Gender Analysis
    © Kosovo Women’s Network, 2018 Authors: Nicole Farnsworth, Donjeta Morina, David JJ Ryan, Gresa Rrahmani, Vanessa Robinson-Conlon and Iliriana Banjska for the Kosovo Women’s Network ISBN This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the Kosovo Women's Network and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union. Printed using eco-friendly printing. Kosovo Gender Analysis 2018 Acknowledgements The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) thanks the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo for entrusting KWN with the important task of preparing this Gender Analysis to inform future EU programming in Kosovo. A team worked diligently to research and write this analysis, including Nicole Farnsworth, Donjeta Morina, David JJ Ryan, Gresa Rrahmani, Vanessa Robinson-Conlon and Iliriana Banjska. Other researchers and writers who contributed to sections of the report include Andrea Pulido, Adelina Berisha, Dardan Hoti, Lauren Hanna and Miranda Avdullahu. The authors thank KWN Executive Director Igballe Rogova, Finance Manager Besa Shehu and other KWN staff for their ongoing support. This analysis would not have been possible without contributions from interview respondents, listed in Annex 1. The authors thank the peer reviewers for their useful suggestions: Agnieszka Stolarczyk, Senior Adviser, Department of Human Rights and Communities, Organisation for Security and Co- operation in Europe (OSCE) Mission in Kosovo; Ajete Kërqeli, Gender Expert; Brikena
    [Show full text]
  • Stuck in the Middle: Women's Political Participation As Legal Ambiguity in Kosovo
    February 2021 STUCK IN THE MIDDLE: WOMEN’S POLITICAL PARTICIPATION AS LEGAL AMBIGUITY 1 STUCK IN THE MIDDLE: WOMEN’S POLITICAL PARTICIPATION AS LEGAL AMBIGUITY February 2021 ∏ Table of Contents ∏ Impresum Executive summary ............................................................................................................... 4 Coordinator Besa Luci Authors List of abbreviations .............................................................................................................. 5 Elion Kollçaku Liza Kutllovci Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 6 Proofreading Svetlana Spasovska Legal framework ................................................................................................................... 7 Layout and design Marko Kovacevski February 2021 Women’s constricted participation in politics: The party, the government, and the law ................................................................................. 8 Quota as ceiling ................................................................................................................... 13 Recommendations and conclusion ...................................................................................... 15 STUCK IN THE MIDDLE: WOMEN’S POLITICAL PARTICIPATION AS LEGAL AMBIGUITY 2 3 STUCK IN THE MIDDLE: WOMEN’S POLITICAL PARTICIPATION AS LEGAL AMBIGUITY February 2021 ∏ Executive summary ∏ List of abbreviations This policy paper offers a focused analysis
    [Show full text]
  • No Safe Place
    No Safe Place: An Assessment on Violence against Women in Kosovo Prepared by Rachel Wareham, Consultant UNIFEM UNIFEM is the women’s fund at the United Nations. It provides financial and technical assistance to innovative programs and strategies that promote human rights, political participation and economic security for women. UNIFEM works in partnership with UN organizations, governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and networks to promote gender equality. It links women’s issues and concerns to national, regional and global agendas, by fostering collaboration and providing technical expertise on gender mainstreaming and women’s empowerment strategies. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent the views of UNIFEM, the United Nations or any of its affiliated organizations. No Safe Place: An Assessment on Violence against Women in Kosovo Report prepared by Rachel Wareham, Consultant, UNIFEM Prishtina ISBN No.0-9679502-7-9 ©The United Nations Development Fund for Women, 2000 United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) UNMIK Annex Building Room 103 Prishtina, Kosovo Tel: + 381 (0) 38 504-604 ext. 4205, 4276 Fax: + 381 (0) 38 549-065 SPONSOR: Funded by the Department for International Development (DFID), United Kingdom Researchers: Rachel Wareham and Iliriana Loxha Picture credits: Zake Prelvukaj Poem credit: Shqipe Malushi Cover and book design: XHAD studio / www.xhadonline.com foreword Violence against women is not a “private issue,” nor just a “women’s issue.” This issue concerns the public, men and the society at large. The threat of violence shadows women not only in the context of war, but in times of peace, in their daily lives, in the home, on the streets and in the workplace.
    [Show full text]